Baelor's gaze flicked to him in mock surprise. "What's this? My old friend is issuing orders now?" He tutted, dropping hishand. "I'd be careful who you speak to that way, Prince Cael. Especially given your . . . compromised position at the moment."
"I swear, Baelor, if you harm her?—"
"You'll what?" Baelor cut him off with a harsh laugh. "I think it's time you faced facts, my friend. This pathetic little fantasy you've constructed for yourself is over. In your absence, your uncle has declared himself king. I'm sure he'd be very interested in knowing you're still alive. It's time to return to Zyranth, your highness."
NINETEEN
Cael's entire body throbbed with searing pain. The relentless beating he'd endured at the hands of the guards left him barely conscious, and he spent the day slipping in and out of awareness. His arms hung limp and numb, manacles digging into his wrists as they pinned him against the cold stone wall of the cell. Time seemed to blur, the hours melting together as he drifted between harsh reality and the merciful oblivion of unconsciousness.
At least Midori had been left in the cell with him. During his brief moments of consciousness, it comforted him know she was near and unharmed … although there was no telling how long that would last.
The clanging of the cell door as it opened snapped Cael out of his hazy stupor and back to the present moment. Through his swollen eye, he caught sight of Baelor's familiar form—his once-trusted friend, now a twisted embodiment of betrayal. Four other guards accompanied the commander and filled the cell, their menacing presence a reminder of how much control Baelor now possessed.
Midori slid off the cot and pressed her body against the wall, taking one of Cael's hands in her own. His fingers were so numb,he couldn't sense her touch. Midori's terrified gaze met Cael's, her eyes pleading for reassurance he could not provide. He could only manage a weak nod, a silent vow he would never abandon her, no matter the cost.
Baelor's voice cut through the haze of pain, each word like a dagger twisting in Cael's heart. "It's time to go home, my friend. Your uncle eagerly awaits your return."
The mocking tone sent a chill down Cael's spine, the reality of the situation sinking in.
"Your uncle will be most pleased to have you back in his clutches. And as for the human . . . " He turned his gaze toward Midori, a cruel sneer twisting his features. “Lord Krissayr has special plans for her. Just to make sure nothing goes wrong this time, I'll be delivering the both of you myself. Get him down from there."
Two of the guards opened the manacles, and Cael's body crumpled to the floor.
"Cael!"
Midori wrapped her arms around his shaking body. He attempted to stand, but his legs refused to work properly. Two guards grabbed him by his upper arms and dragged him along, his feet scraping against the hard ground until he could finally get them to move on his own.
They emerged from the dank cell block into the harsh sunlight of the compound. Cael squinted against the bright glare, his eyes struggling to adjust after so long in the darkness. Baelor led the procession, his stride filled with arrogant purpose. Cael's heart twisted at the sight of his former friend turned traitor. How could someone he once trusted so deeply have fallen so far?
As they crossed the compound, Cael caught glimpses of other prisoners being brought in—a mix of off-worlders and native Zebrans—herded off slave ships and shuffled between buildingslike cattle. The haunted, defeated looks in their eyes chilled him to the core. Their little rescue attempt had only paused the operations of the compound for a short while.
At last, they reached the landing platform where Baelor's sleek military cruiser rested. The guards shoved Cael and Midori up the ramp. Once aboard, they were ushered into a small holding cell, the door clanging shut with a resounding finality. Cael collapsed against the wall, every muscle screaming for relief. Midori crouched beside him, her hand gently caressing his bruised cheek.
"I'm so sorry," she whispered, her eyes glistening. "This is all my fault."
Cael mustered what little strength remained and placed his hand over hers. "None of this is your fault, Midori. I made my choices."
The cruiser's engines rumbled to life beneath them. Cael tightened his grip on Midori's hand as the ship lifted off. He did not know what awaited them at their destination, but one thing was certain—he would fight until his last breath to keep Midori safe.
The cruiser lurched as it broke through the planet's atmosphere, and Cael braced himself against the wall. Midori huddled close beside him, her face etched with worry and confusion.
As the ship steadied its ascent, Baelor's voice crackled over the intercom. "I know you must have questions. I'll explain everything once we're safely away."
His tone was clipped and all business, a stark contrast to the mocking cruelty he'd displayed back at the compound.
Cael exchanged a puzzled glance with Midori. What game was Baelor playing? After such a brutal betrayal, Cael could scarcely believe his former friend now claimed he would explain himself.
Hours seemed to crawl by in tense silence before the cruiser docked within a larger vessel. The door to their holding cell slid open, and two guards entered. Cael instinctively moved to shield Midori, but the guards made no aggressive moves. Instead, they gestured for the prisoners to follow.
Baelor waited in the corridor outside, his expression unreadable. With a curt nod, he turned and led them deeper into the ship's interior. They passed numerous checkpoints and heavily armed patrols of Zyranthian guards. Cael's instincts screamed to fight, to attempt an escape, but he forced himself to remain calm and compliant for Midori's sake.
At last, they entered what appeared to be Baelor's personal quarters. As the door hissed shut behind them, the commander let out a deep sigh and turned to face his captives. The cold, cruel mask he'd worn slipped away, and Cael was stunned to see remorse and weariness in his old friend's eyes.
"I'm sorry it had to be this way," Baelor began, his voice heavy. "When your uncle assigned me to command the slave operation, I had no choice but to comply publicly. But in secret . . . " He shook his head slowly. "Cael, you have to know I vehemently oppose everything your uncle has done. This entire operation is an abomination."
Cael's mind reeled, struggling to process Baelor's words. All this time, had his friend merely been playing a part? Putting on a facade of cruelty to maintain his cover?
"Most of the guards are only following orders for the money. They've been paid well to overlook the laws against Zyranth's hand in slavery. Laws your own father crafted as king. But there are some of us who want to bring this to an end. We've been attempting to gather evidence to present to the Council of Elders, to expose your uncle's crimes and have him removed from power. But they require more proof than we've gathered so far."
